Title:When It Became Her Instead
Author:Leiram
Pairing:Quinn Fabray & Santana Lopez
Rating:PG-13
Spoilers:Season 2 - New York, New York
Disclaimer:All characters herein mentioned are under the ownership of Fox. Glee is created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuck and Ian Brenann. Although all contents pertaining to such characters, and then some are products of my imagination.
A/N:Ok. So thankyou guys for the reviews. This is still Act I though. This might be a little shorter than the first one. Enjoy you guys.
Your reviews are highly encouraged. Thank you for checking this out.
WHEN IT BECAME HER INSTEAD
ACT I.
INTERIOR. GIRL'S BEDROOM. CONTINUOUS - DAY
Santana woke up with warm breaths tickling her lips. She stirred and felt her nose bump on Quinn's. She move her head back a little as to not get cross-eyed as she looked at the sleeping face infront of her. 'She looks so peaceful... and pretty. Wait, what?' Santana shook her head. She tried tried to look around and felt dead weight on her waist. She saw Quinn's arm tucked around her and under her tank top. She chuckled but then she saw another pale arm clasped around her, longer arms. She turned to her right and saw Brittany snuggled close to her spooning her. She felt a tug on her lips but then she heaved a deep sigh as she rested her head back on her pillow. She tried to reposition herself as quietly and as gently as possible as to not wake up the two blondes. As soon as she laid on her back Quinn jostled and pulled up on Santana, her head finding the crook of Santana's neck. Quinn sighed contently. This caused goosebumps crawling up Santana's neck and arms.
If by the start of junior year you told Santana that she'd be sharing a bed with Quinn Fabray and actually like it, she would've mocked you Lima Heights style. Santana missed this side of Quinn. They were usually up in each others grill outdoing and competing with each other that they almost forgot that they were each other's oldest and closest friend.
Santana realized where her hands were, she slowly removed her hands from a death grip on Quinn's shirt to move a clump of hair sticking on the blondes forehead before kissing it. As she rests her head back Quinn started to stir awake. She blinked before she saw her eyes darting up directly at the latina's seeking brown orbs.
Quinn:
What time is it?
Quinn said in a raspy scratchy bedroom voice. Santana couldn't think and felt a little tingle, 'god that voice...' Quinn yawned and for Santana that looked like one of the cutest things she ever had the chance of seeing. Santana smiled a little.
Santana:
No idea. All I know is that it's waaay too early for my liking.
Santana whispered to the still sleepy and yawning blonde beside her. They held gazes for awhile until Santana's stomach churned out loud making the two girls breathlessly trying to stifle their laughter. Quinn tried to move her arms in order to leaned up. Leaving Santana a little cold on her left side. The latina held on Quinn's waist tugging her back to the bed.
Quinn:
C'mon. Let's go look for something to eat.
Quinn whispered as she tried to got out of bed slowly not wanting to wake the other girls.
Santana:
Ugh. But I'm comfortable here. You're comfy, come back to bed.
Another groan from Santana's stomach caused another round of giggles.
Quinn:
Well your stomach sure disagrees. And I'm awfully hungry myself, haven't eaten since lunch.
Santana's brows shot up and her eyes wide.
Santana:
What? Why?
Quinn huffed at Santana as she rolled her eyes painfully slow.
Quinn:
Oh I don't know. Maybe because I missed dinner when I was looking for my weepy and drunk bestfriend who got lost somewhere in central park.
Santana scoffed but smiled internally. She held her hand for Santana. When the brunette took it she gently pulled her up. Santana slowly detached herself from Brittany and moved out of their bed. Quinn moved towards her bags and pulled her old Cheerios sweat shirt and threw it to Santana.
It hit Santana in her face.
Santana:
Hey! Seriously, Quinn?
Santana was pointing to the sweatshirt.
Quinn:
What? It's comfy. Don't tell me you returned yours.
It wasn't a question more of a fact. Santana was silent for a while.
Quinn:
I thought so.
Santana just huffed playfully and shook her head before pocketing her phone and her debt it card. Quinn grabbed her coat from the chair across from her. Santana slipped on her furry boots while Quinn settled for her flip flops. Quinn scurried around the room looking for the key card. She fumbled a little and banged her knee on the chair.
Quinn:
Ow!
Quinn found Santana's hand covering her mouth.
Santana:
Shhh! You ok?
She whispered. Quinn nodded then Santana let go of her. Santana pointed at the white plastic on top the dresser. Quinn went and grabbed it. Santana led them towards the door and quietly opened it. Both girls weren't aware that they were still holding hands until they got out of the door and was well on their way towards the hallway lobby.
INTERIOR. HALLWAY - HOTEL CAFE. DAY
They've been walking for over fifteen minutes already but couldn't find anything, No vending machines, no nothing. They decided to just go down and eat at the hotel cafe. They reached the elevator and went inside. As they pushed the down button with their entwined hands they looked at each other and smiled.
Quinn:
So. How are you feeling?
Quinn leaned back on the cold steel wall as she studied Santana. Even dressed with just sweatshirts the girl was a stunner. Quinn gave her a once over and chuckled at the sight of the girl's furred boots.
Santana caught on the sound and furrowed her brow.
Santana:
Did I miss anything? What're you laughing at?
Quinn bit her lip as she struggled to contain a smirk. She shook her head as to say nothing. The latina not being convinced quirked her brow at the giggling blonde.
Santana:
What? Fabray, out with it.
She said as she cocked her head to the side and tapped her foot, a sign of annoyance. Quinn noticed this and doubled over, she was full on laughing now. The sound of Quinn's laugh fill the elevator. Santana on her normal bitchy day would be pissed and annoyed but there was something that had already changed between the two, and in less than 24 hours.
Quinn:
Nothing Sa-an. It's just that... that you... boots. hahaha.
Santana instinctively looked down on her feet and wiggled them. She saw her reflection in the walls and reviewed her choice of clothing. She realized how silly she looked.
Santana:
Hey! Don't be hatin'. I feel comfortable. And don't even start with me looking like that.
Santana pointed on Quinn's coat and flip-flops. Quinn nodded in between giggles and Santana joined in the laughter as the descended. As the laughing died down, Quinn repeated her question.
Quinn:
So, you didn't answer my question.
Santana:
Well you unceremoniously cut me off with your giggling Fabray. And I'm good by the way. I don't think I have a hangover or something.
Ding! The elevator stopped and opened for them. They walked out and went directly to the cafe they usually have had their morning meals whilst in New York.
Quinn:
Good. And you seem pretty composed for someone who's not a morning person.
Santana shook her head as she opened the door for Quinn. Quinn smiled and mouthed a thankyou.
Santana:
Well, it's still dark out. Wait till the sun comes up then we'll see if you can repeat that for me again.
Quinn nodded at her friend. They sat in the corner where the couch was. they sat beside each other as they started to browse the menu.
Santana:
God, I didn't realize I was this hungry.
Quinn:
Me neither. What are you having?
Santana pulled her legs up so that she was sitting indian style. She placed her menu back on the table and leaned her head on the taller girl's shoulder beside her. She started to yawn again.
Santana:
I dunno. yawn. I really don't care. I'll have the same as yours. yawn. I'm still to sleepy to think too much. yawn.
Santana wrapped her arms around the blondes waist and snuggled closer. Quinn placed her left around over and around the latina's shoulder.
Santana:
What are you having anyway?
Quinn didn't need the menu to choose.
Quinn:
Bacon Ham and Cheese Omelet with extra Bacon, BLT, Chai tea and maybe a bagel or a Pretzel.
Santana mumbled something on Quinn's neck which caused another jolt on her skin that rendered small hairs to stand. Quinn moaned a little at the contact but was unnoticed by the other girl. Quinn checked herself and tried to pass it as a cough.
Quinn:
What was that?
Santana adjusted her head and spoke again.
Santana:
I said, you and your bacon. Why don't you just get married already.
Quinn chuckled and Santana smiled at the sound.
Santana:
I guess I'll be having the same then. But I'm getting a latte, I can't stand that shit you so love to drink.
Quinn swatted Santana's arm.
Quinn:
I guess I don't need to wait for sunrise to confirm what a bitch you are in the morning.
Santana:
Mmhmm. And yet you're still here. Admit it, you love me Fabray.
Quinn:
Hmm. Maybe a little.
Quinn moved her head down to kiss the latina's forehead. Santana not expecting the rare show of affection jostled in her seat a little, this made Quinn to pull her closer. Santana felt Quinn's lips burn the skin on her forehead. She felt the familiar tingle from last night when their noses touched but decided not to put too much thought in it. 'too early' she thought.
When the waiter got to their table Quinn ordered for the both of them. He took the menu and placed them back on their stands. He left the two girls in silence as he headed back to the kitchen to place their orders.
Quinn leaned back on the couch pulling Santana with her. She pulled her legs to her chest and let it bump with the latina's own. She still couldn't believe that one trip could rekindle their almost nonexistent friendship. After last night's events she promised herself to be there for Santana whether she needed her or not. She wasn't aware that Santana was thinking on the same lines. They weren't there for each other when they needed someone to hold one too. Looking back, both of them were too caught up with their own issues and insecurities.
But after last night both of them promised themselves to be there for the other girl as much as possible. And that nothing will ever come between them that will lead them to alienate each other ever again.
Santana's trail of though was interrupted when she heard Quinn talk.
Santana:
Huh? What was that?
Quinn:
I said that you're awfully quiet.
Santana:
Oh. uhm, ah. I'm still just a little sleepy.
Quinn:
Hmm.
Quinn nodded. Santana stirred and looked back at her.
Santana:
What?
Quinn:
Nothing.
Santana:
That doesn't sound like nothing which means something. So what is it. Spill it Fabray.
Santana scooted away a little from Quinn to look at the girl beside her. She arched an inquiring brow. Quinn, on her part knows that Santana wont let it go. And apart from the fact that she doesn't want to start their day with an argument if she did try to make Santana drop it, she still too sleepy to put up a fight. And also her curiosity made her give in.
Quinn:
I was just wondering.
Quinn paused. A good three minutes passed and Santana furrowed her brow.
Santana:
Are you gonna finish that thought or are you gonna keep me hanging?
Quinn huffed and shook her head at the latina.
Quinn:
I was wondering about this thing with you and Brittany.
Santana deflated at the blonde's words. She knew they were gonna talk about it, but she didn't think it's gonna happen this soon. Quinn saw the change in Santana's demeanor. She mentally kicked herself, she knew how sore of a topic Brittany is at the moment. She's as worried that Santana would act up and be defensive about it.
Quinn:
But like I said last night, we don't have to talk about not right now.
Quinn said as she trailed her hands up and down Santana's arm. Santana smiled at the gesture.
Quinn:
I think I'm just worried about you. And of course Britts too.
Santana looked at Quinn questioningly.
Santana:
What do you mean?
Quinn just shrugged.
Quinn:
Well San, she's gonna want to know what happened to you yesterday. What are you gonna tell her then? And I'm sure she gonna ask around, she must've already asked 'Cedes and Tina about why you were all sorts of drunk last night.
Santana looked at the grain on the wooden table in front of her.
Quinn:
Look San, I just don't want to see you two drift away because of, I dunno, because of what is or what isn't there between you two. We've been in that situation San and it really sucked.
Quinn closed her eyes and leaned back on the couch. Santana looked at her, with a small tug on the corner of her lips.
Santana:
I know. I guess, I was, I was too proud to admit that I missed you in my life and to do something about it.
Quinn chuckled and opened her eyes to look at her friend.
Quinn:
It goes both ways San. I was just as much of a bitch to work on us you know?
Both girls laughed at how mushy and sappy they're being at the moment. Their talk got cut short when the waiter returned with a tray filled with their food. They ate in peace with the casual sideways glance they've been giving each other recently, followed by bursts of laughter or silent smiles.
It was during Santana digging unto her own BLT and Quinn her bagel when the blonde spoke.
Quinn:
Okay, so I was wondering...
Santana:
You wonder a lot Fabray.
Santana sniggered.
Quinn:
Oh shush. So yeah, as I was saying. Last night you said you acted out cos of Finchel's stupid ki-
Santana put up a finger cutting Quinn's thoughts.
Santana:
Don't even finish that. Ugh! I had a nightmare because of them.
Quinn nodded and laughed. Santana did too.
Santana:
I do remember though. I said I was pissed and stuff. Honestly, I've been long pissed, even before yesterday, even before... Even before I sang with Britts. Even before...
Quinn:
Yeah, yeah, I get it. You're pissed all the time Lopez.
Quinn shoulder bumped Santana, which Santana returned.
Quinn:
Do you remember Freshman year?
Santana smiled her rare Lopez smile and nodded. Quinn had to stop and bask at the rare show of genuine happiness that's exuding off her friend.
Quinn:
We were still so carefree and happy and...
Santana:
Not pissed?
Quinn looked at her and nodded.
Santana:
Hmm. I can say I was still happy come sophomore year came too. But I guess I started getting pissed 'bout the same time too.
Quinn marveled at her friends revelation. She knows how it feels. Her problems started during their sophomore year too. Quinn was curious thought as too why Santana felt the same.
Quinn:
I know why I was a mess last school year, but I hope you don't mind me asking. What made you so pissed too? Was it because, you know, of Puck and... me?
Santana looked at her food and stayed quiet. She placed it back to her plate before facing Quinn. Her face was voiud of expression, Quinn felt a pang of fear in her stomach. She bit her lip, anxious to what Santana would say.
Santana:
I guess so. I guess that's when I started getting angry. I was pissed at you actually.
Quinn's eyes widen, a flash of hurt evident but she kept silent, urging her friend to continue. Santana saw the struggling emotions in Quinn's eyes. She placed her hand on Quinn's knee to tell her friend it's fine.
Santana:
But not like that. I was pissed because you came to him. I kinda felt that I wasn't good enough to help you with whatever problem it was you were facing back then. I guess I was a little jealous. And then when you got pregnant and you didn't tell me about it. I could've helped you know. I was pissed that you didn't trust me enough for you to tell me about it. I know it's your decision and I'm just being selfish and shit but still it stung Fabray.
Quinn heard a little crack in Santana's voice she gripped her friend's hands from her knees and intertwined it with hers. Santana took a deep breath and continued.
Santana:
That time where we fought by you locker, I just wanted to show you that Puck's a prick. I need to show you... I didn't mean to hurt you or anything, I just. You know I suck at talking about feelings, well at least back then, I'm working on it now you know.
Quinn smiled and nodded at her.
Santana:
Anyway, yeah. The only thing I could get my message across is if I bitch it out to you. Which worked. But, I'm sorry bout that though.
Quinn:
Don't be. You were right. So, It's safe to assume that you started getting pissed when I got knocked up?
Santana nodded.
Santana:
Yeah. You stopped talking to me. We stopped talking like friends Quinn. We bitched out on each other. Although I should've made that extra effort though. I guess it's my fault too.
Quinn:
We were both insecure teenagers San.
Quinn shrugged before taking a sip of her tea. Santana nodded back.
Santana:
It kinda sucked that it took us this trip too you know, get us to start talkin' again.
Quinn:
I know. But I guess when you gave me a lift back to my place helped a little too.
Santana stopped mid action from taking a bite from her sandwich. Her nose scrunched up as she looked back.
Quinn:
During Jean's funeral.
Santana:
Oh, that. You know you should've allowed me to blast Finnept's tires. Hmm. I just might when we get back.
Santana smirked at Quinn.
Quinn:
I don't mind. Just don't get caught though.
Quinn returned the smirked. Both girls giggled.
Quinn:
We started talking more after that.
Santana:
Yeah, but that was us bitching out out usual shit.
Quinn:
Well yeah. But I couldn't help but notice you caring a little. Don't even deny it Lopez.
Quinn glared at Santana. Santana glared back but with a smile on her lips.
Santana:
I wasn't planning to.
Quinn blushed and looked at their hands.
Santana:
I'm just glad that at least we're friends again Quinn. I mean you know, those types that say mushy shit and stick around and be sappy and...
Quinn smiled.
Quinn:
do cuddles.
Santana:
Yeah, and do cuddles.
Quinn:
You are so not a badass right now Lopez.
Santana:
Remind me again why I opted to keep you around?
Quinn:
Easy. You love me.
Santana smiled. She sighed as she leaned in against Quinn.
Santana:
I'd say that's pretty accurate Quinn Fabray.
Quinn wrapped her free arm around Santana.
Quinn:
Ditto, Santana Lopez.
INTERIOR. GIRL'S BEDROOM. DAY
Brittany stretched as she wakes up. She laid on her back and stretched some more. She reached to her left to check on her bestfriend. Her arms met nothing but cool sheets and remnants of her bestfriend's unique scent. Brittany shot up from the bed. She looked around she saw Rachel beside her. Mercedes and Lauren on the other bed and she could hear someone showering in the bathroom.
Brittany made her way to the bathroom, she gently knocked on it.
Brittany:
Tina?
Brittany knocked and called out Tina's name again until she heard the shower getting turned off.
Tina:
Brittany? 'sat you?
Brittany:
Ah, yeah. Is San and Quinn in there with you. Are they helping you with bath time?
Tina opened the door.
Tina:
Uhm, no Britts. They weren't in when I woke up. Why?
Brittany got more confused. She shook her head at the smaller girl and returned back to their beds. She checked her phone. No new messages. She saw Tina looking at her.
Tina:
They must've gone for food or something. They both came in late last night. They must've skipped dinner. Don't worry Britts. They'll be back in a while.
Brittany:
I guess you're right. Anyway, why are you up so early?
Tina:
Oh, I thought I might start getting ready and pack my stuff already. Mr. Schue said we're taking the 11am flight back. And I know how you guys take your time showering.
Tina wiggled her eyebrows and winked.
Brittany chuckled.
Tina:
Especially you three. You guys like take hours to get ready. I can already hear Santana say 'it takes time to look this good'.
Brittany was full on laughing now. Tina smiled as well.
Tina:
I couldn't disagree though. You three always do look good, especially Santana, god that girl can pull off anything.
Brittany felt a sudden rush in her cheeks, she knew how hot Santana always look. And she looked extra hot while they were performing 'light up the world'.
She was so excited to perform a song that the three of them put together. Santana and Quinn did most of the writing and the three of them decided on the melody. Brittany, of course did the choreography.
Brittany:
Yeah she does. Anyway, I'm gonna shower then. Rachel's a little slow while showering too you know. San even had to threaten her that she's going to throw her luggage out the window if she didn't stop hogging the bathroom.
Tina gaped at the blonde.
Tina:
Oh my god, really?
Tina covered her mouth with her hand. Brittany just nodded and took her bag of clothes.
Tina:
Ok, Britts. Remind me never to take a shower before Santana does ok?
Brittany cocked her head at the girl.
Brittany:
Uhm, ok Tina.
Brittany said as she flashed her a wide smile. She looked back at her phone and typed in a message.
06:48am Brittany's text:
Hey San, wer R u? I wke up & u n Q R gone. :( nwy, u guys nid 2 come bak soon. Tina said dat said wer n da 11 am flyt. hurry n com up ok? ilu. - Britts
She waited for Santana to reply, after about five minutes without one she huffed a sigh, she placed her phone back to the bedside table and took to the shower.
About a minute more and as Brittany started to shower Santana's version of 'Valerie' went off on her phone.
INTERIOR. CAFE. DAY
It's been almost three hours since they came down from their room. Their food long past finished, they've been talking from everything about glee, their loss in Nationals, cheerios, their studies to their non-existent love life.
Santana:
What I can't understand really, is why, I mean really Fabray, Finn? Puck? and then Trou- Sam?
Santana resisted the urge to roll her eyes but failed miserably. Quinn just shook her head.
Quinn:
Hey, you hooked up with all of them too, so don't start with me Lopez. Finn and I, we were perfect for each other. And I loved him.
Santana looked at her friend head cocked to the side.
Santana:
Oh, yeah sure you loved him sophomore year. I'll give you that. You even dragged us to glee because of him. But you do know you don't need him to be perfect when you already are.
Santana couldn't stop the words from coming out of her mouth. 'Wait what? da hell did I just say?'
Quinn's gaze shot up from her hands to Santana. She locked eyes with the fiercest brown eyes she could've seen in her life.
Santana:
What I meant was, you were head cheerleader. You didn't need any guy to ride your coat tails. You didn't need it then, you certainly don't need it now.
'Smooth Lopez'.
Santana:
What you said, back there in our room, about our dreams not coming true or something. Well if there's someone in McKinley that's gonna get theirs I'm dead sure that's gonna be you.
Quinn held her gaze with the girl beside her. She sighed but smiled at her.
Santana:
Hey, we still have another year Q. We gots time.
Quinn laughed.
Quinn:
Where's all this positivity coming from S? Wait, who are you and what have you done to my bestfriend?
Santana's brows shot up and began to blush profusely. She looked down to her hands and tried but could not hide a megawatt smile she's wearing. Quinn noticed and huffed curiously.
Quinn:
What? Did i say something wr-. Oh my god, are you blushing?
Santana looked away from Quinn but the blonde placed her hand on Santana's chin guiding her to look at the blonde.
Quinn:
Wow. Never thought I'd ever see the day that you'd blush. Better stop saying ethnic people don't blush.
Santana just shook her head.
Santana:
It's just that, it's been forever since you called me that.
Quinn:
Called you what? 'Bestfriend'. Well, you called me that last night so I guess it's logical I call you mine.
Quinn realized how intimate that might've sounded.
Quinn:
I mean, my bestfriend. Unless of course you don't want to.
Santana:
NO! I mean, of course. Touch move! You can't take that back.
Quinn:
Touch move?
Santana rolled her eyes.
Santana:
You know, in chess. When you move a piece, you can't put it back to it's place if you decide to change a move or something.
Quinn smiled at her.
Quinn:
You're such a nerd sometimes.
Santana:
Me reading a lot doesn't make me a nerd Fabray. You should know better, lil miss straight A student.
Quinn quirked a brow. She moved closer to her bestfriend.
Quinn:
You say like you're not one yourself. I saw your grades Santana, they're frighteningly as good as mine, if not better.
Santana's eyes widen.
Santana:
Better not tell anyone Fabray or I'll e-
Quinn:
'You'll endz me' I know. You know that's really getting a little old, S.
Santana silenced a laugh. She looked directly at Quinn.
Santana:
That's because you never experienced when I follow through with it.
Santana smirked.
Quinn:
Oh, believe me, I know.
Quinn returned the smirk. Santana furrowed her brow as if wracking her brain. And then, like a ton of bricks it hit her. Her eyes grew wide, her smirk wiped off her face and was covered by her hands. Quinn started to chuckle. When she saw the look on Santana's face she laughed out loud. Santana couldn't help but be mesmerized by the blonde in front of her. Her hazel eyes glassy and brimming with raw emotion. The sound of her laughter, she rarely heard Quinn laugh a good real laugh.
Santana:
Oh my god Quinn! I totally forgot! I'm soo sorry I hit you.
Quinn grabbed her stomach to try and release herself from laughing too much. Santana, just watched the blonde's body shake in between fits of laughter.
Santana:
It's not funny, Quinn.
Quinn looked up and then burst up laughing again.
Quinn:
Nn-oo, ii-t isn't, but you- you-'re faceis. hahahahah
Quinn pointed at Santana's face. She looked at Quinn's finger and got cross-eyed. This rendered the blonde laughing harder, as Santana realized this she joined in.
After a few more minutes the laughter died down. Both girl's leaning back to the couch, their heads leaning beside each other.
Quinn:
Oh man. I haven't laughed that hard in months. Phew. Feels good.
Santana:
Yeah. It does.
Quinn:
I'm really sorry too. I think I deserved that 'lima heights hospitality'.
Santana:
I never should've hit you. I'm really sorry Q.
Santana remembered how bad she cried to Brittany after their fight in the hallway. She felt like shit and she chastised herself for doing that. She promised not to ever lay a hand on Quinn after that. No matter the provocation.
Quinn took Santana's hand and gave it a good squeeze.
Quinn:
I was such a bitch to do that to you San. I'd take it back if I could. But since we can't do anything about it now, I say we call it even. Truce?
Quinn held her hand out for Santana to shake. But even before Quinn could react, Santana crossed her personal space and wrapped her in a hug. She could hear her heart pound in her chest, or was that Santana's? It's hard to distinguish which is which in such a proximity. She slowly returned the hug. She hugged her closer to her.
Quinn:
So we're good.
Santana:
Mhmm.
Quinn:
Friends?
Santana:
The best Q.
They stayed that way until something vibrated causing them to part suddenly.
06:48am Brittany's text:
Hey San, wer R u? I wke up & u n Q R gone. :( nwy, u guys nid 2 come bak soon. Tina said dat said wer n da 11 am flyt. hurry n com up ok? ilu. - Britts
to be continued...